Author:
Paul W. Feenstra is a historical fiction novelist. Meticulously researched and detailed, his character driven novels create a dramatic window into our chronicled and complex past. Born in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1959, to Dutch immigrants, Paul still commutes to Los Angeles, California, where he worked as a multiple ‘Emmy’ nominated entertainment industry professional.


Believing God speaks to him through the archangel Gabriel, and anointed with powers, Te Ua unites his people through a common cause. He is determined to drive the imperial oppressors from Maori land and return New Zealand to the righteous.

In early 1860’s New Zealand, the beautiful region of Taranaki is engulfed in a brutal land war. Continuing with its unpopular policy, the New Zealand government, bolstered by British soldiers, seeks punitive and severe action against rebel Maori who openly resist the Government’s determined effort to confiscate their lands.  With regular army forces ill equipped to fight in the wilderness, the specialist highly trained ‘Forest Rangers’ are tasked to pursue rebel Maori deep into the rugged bush clad hills.

The Rangers newest recruit, Moana (Ira) Rangitira, a veteran of the Crimean war, shows remarkable and unusual skills, Maori fear and call him, ‘The ghost who walks’. Ira faces challenges that test his will to survive, and can he protect what is closest to his heart, or has everything been destroyed?

‘The Breath of God’ is the first novel in the Moana Rangitira adventure series.

A Soldier's Journey

Darkness finally enveloped Te Aro Flats; the watery moonlight provided only enough illumination to see indistinct shadows moving slowly through rows of neatly laid crops. The occasional voice could be heard as the men exchanged a pleasantry or grumbled about being hungry or bored. They all carried muskets and were instructed to warn away any intruders, shooting only if threatened. 


Not far away, dozens of eyes watched the unsuspecting guards. Minarapa and a group of men waited in readiness, patiently looking for patterns where guards patrolled. Feeling confident, Minarapa finally gave a signal and two men eagerly slid out from concealment and began to stealthily crawl along the rows of potatoes towards the surveyors" pegs they had identified earlier in the day, the positions of the pegs committed to memory. One man carried a bag woven from flax which held a short, thick log, the other grasped a taiaha, a spear. 


Chapter 23